Chicago says netting can't be permanent fix at Wrigley

December 21, 2004

CHICAGO (AP) -- A better solution than netting to catch falling concrete must be found to cure safety problems at Wrigley Field, Chicago Buildings Commissioner Stan Kaderbek said Tuesday

``Safety is the city's greatest concern,'' Kaderbek said in a statement. ``Therefore, we cannot accept netting to catch (falling) concrete as a permanent solution for a ballpark that serves more than three million fans. They need to do more substantial and lasting repairs.''

Engineers for the Cubs have concluded that three instances of falling concrete from the upper deck last season were caused by exposure and construction anomalies.

The Cubs said the engineers' report confirms that the team's repair and maintenance plan has reduced potential danger for fans. Still, the team says engineers have recommended a protective barrier system, such as netting, to completely avoid the risk of falling debris.

``The recent report has assured us the park is safe without netting, but we want to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of our fans,'' Cubs president Andy MacPhail said.

The most recent engineering report concluded that Wrigley's structural system is in ``reasonably good condition considering its age,'' according to MacPhail's statement. The ballpark was built in 1914.

But the city says it needs more information about Wrigley's condition and the strategy for repairs, according to Kaderbek. His statement said a report on Wrigley given to the city Monday by the Cubs was incomplete.

A 2001 engineers' report on Wrigley's condition commissioned by the Cubs detailed concrete problems on ramps and in the bleachers area. Cubs officials said the repairs were made, but without the required city permits.

That led to squabbling between Mayor Richard Daley and Tribune Co., which owns Wrigley Field and the Cubs, with Daley threatening to shut down the stadium if the company couldn't make sure Wrigley was safe.